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Comments (39)

Why are the school closed. The roads are fine, most are completely clear and those that aren't are passable with a bit of care.

Absolutely ridiculous, the Head Teachers of all the closed schools should be made to provide a good reason why they felt it was necessary to stay at home in bed, rather than get up and go to work just like everyone else has to.

Why are the school closed. The roads are fine, most are completely clear and those that aren't are passable with a bit of care.
Absolutely ridiculous, the Head Teachers of all the closed schools should be made to provide a good reason why they felt it was necessary to stay at home in bed, rather than get up and go to work just like everyone else has to.StuckInTraffic

Unbelievable that schools are closed today, unless there is good reason, ie. heating problems, there is NO reason that any school should be closed. There has been plenty of time to clear snow and grit paths, the roads are all clear. Any headteacher that has decided to close their school should hang their heads in shame, they have let down their pupils and should have a good think about if teaching is the right job for them.

Unbelievable that schools are closed today, unless there is good reason, ie. heating problems, there is NO reason that any school should be closed. There has been plenty of time to clear snow and grit paths, the roads are all clear. Any headteacher that has decided to close their school should hang their heads in shame, they have let down their pupils and should have a good think about if teaching is the right job for them.Steve H

StuckInTraffic wrote:
Why are the school closed. The roads are fine, most are completely clear and those that aren't are passable with a bit of care.

Absolutely ridiculous, the Head Teachers of all the closed schools should be made to provide a good reason why they felt it was necessary to stay at home in bed, rather than get up and go to work just like everyone else has to.

Totally agree. There may be staffing issues of course, but if other schools can manage on reduced staffing (ie they plan properly) then the Head Teachers should be called to account. I can understand the special needs schools too, but not the main stream. Funny that two schools that nearly always close at the first hint of snow (Eastwood and Westborough) are both Acadamies. Also the information on which schools are closed is different on every website. The Echo differs from the Council which differs from heart FM which differs from Southend Radio which differs from BBC Essex. It cannot be THAT difficult to get all the sites saying the same thing.

[quote][p][bold]StuckInTraffic[/bold] wrote:
Why are the school closed. The roads are fine, most are completely clear and those that aren't are passable with a bit of care.
Absolutely ridiculous, the Head Teachers of all the closed schools should be made to provide a good reason why they felt it was necessary to stay at home in bed, rather than get up and go to work just like everyone else has to.[/p][/quote]Totally agree. There may be staffing issues of course, but if other schools can manage on reduced staffing (ie they plan properly) then the Head Teachers should be called to account. I can understand the special needs schools too, but not the main stream. Funny that two schools that nearly always close at the first hint of snow (Eastwood and Westborough) are both Acadamies. Also the information on which schools are closed is different on every website. The Echo differs from the Council which differs from heart FM which differs from Southend Radio which differs from BBC Essex. It cannot be THAT difficult to get all the sites saying the same thing.the citizen

There was a headmistress on the radio talking about "my pupils" and "my parents", totally arrogant. She said the school was closed because she had a responsibility for her staff in case they might skid on ice coming in to work.
How "nanny" can you get. Perhaps she might want to lay down a diet and exercise regime for them or draft instruction on how to boil a kettle!!!

There was a headmistress on the radio talking about "my pupils" and "my parents", totally arrogant. She said the school was closed because she had a responsibility for her staff in case they might skid on ice coming in to work.
How "nanny" can you get. Perhaps she might want to lay down a diet and exercise regime for them or draft instruction on how to boil a kettle!!!Essex Medja

Just heard on BBC Essex that staff and parents are helping clear snow in one of the Chelmsford Schools perhaps teachers should do more at other schools, I know one school where the teachers teach full stop nothing else.

Just heard on BBC Essex that staff and parents are helping clear snow in one of the Chelmsford Schools perhaps teachers should do more at other schools, I know one school where the teachers teach full stop nothing else.fredfoot

We live in Basildon, but I took the wife and kids to their respective schools (Hamstel and Greenways) in Southend and got back to Basildon in an hour and a half - the roads are fine in both Southend and Basildon. Yet the kids old school (Porters Grange) is closed? Pathetic.

We live in Basildon, but I took the wife and kids to their respective schools (Hamstel and Greenways) in Southend and got back to Basildon in an hour and a half - the roads are fine in both Southend and Basildon. Yet the kids old school (Porters Grange) is closed? Pathetic.artytoit

They have a moan if you take your kid out of scholl for a holiday but they don't mind closing the entire school for no good reason, what's more damaging, one kid off school for 5 days, or all of them? Hypocrites.

They have a moan if you take your kid out of scholl for a holiday but they don't mind closing the entire school for no good reason, what's more damaging, one kid off school for 5 days, or all of them? Hypocrites.pendulum

•Deanes School, Benfleet – School will be closed due to adverse weather conditions.

What adverse weather conditions ??

Is King John & Westwood open ?? If they can make it in then why can't Deanes ??

•Deanes School, Benfleet – School will be closed due to adverse weather conditions.
What adverse weather conditions ??
Is King John & Westwood open ?? If they can make it in then why can't Deanes ??InTheKnowOk

Essex Medja wrote:
There was a headmistress on the radio talking about &quot;my pupils" and "my parents", totally arrogant. She said the school was closed because she had a responsibility for her staff in case they might skid on ice coming in to work. How "nanny" can you get. Perhaps she might want to lay down a diet and exercise regime for them or draft instruction on how to boil a kettle!!!

Please don't give these people any ideas or encouragement!

[quote][p][bold]Essex Medja[/bold] wrote:
There was a headmistress on the radio talking about "my pupils" and "my parents", totally arrogant. She said the school was closed because she had a responsibility for her staff in case they might skid on ice coming in to work. How "nanny" can you get. Perhaps she might want to lay down a diet and exercise regime for them or draft instruction on how to boil a kettle!!![/p][/quote]Please don't give these people any ideas or encouragement!JuliaM

Perhaps the long school holidays should be moved to January/February, Not only will the weather not cause a problem but think of the costs saved on heating / grit and snow clearance and no need to lose days to bad weather.

Perhaps the long school holidays should be moved to January/February, Not only will the weather not cause a problem but think of the costs saved on heating / grit and snow clearance and no need to lose days to bad weather.j-w

sosad 1 wrote:
i went to school 1960 to 1970 they never shut once inc the winter of 63 we now have genarations of pc wimps

I went to school in the 50's and 60's and was taught by hard-nosed ex-WW2 soldiers, and yes, we did close when necessary.

[quote][p][bold]sosad 1[/bold] wrote:
i went to school 1960 to 1970 they never shut once inc the winter of 63 we now have genarations of pc wimps[/p][/quote]I went to school in the 50's and 60's and was taught by hard-nosed ex-WW2 soldiers, and yes, we did close when necessary.Democrat

What is happening to this country? Is this the type of easy quit example we want to install into the future generations? Today it was easier to get into work than usual (12mile, mixed road drive). All my company lorries have got to their destinations on time throught the UK. It is no longer a severe weather condition. Little wonder the youth often have the 'don't care' attitude. It is the example shown to them from the schools. Head teachers and caretakers should be held accountable for any closures. Particularly as this was predicted last week!

What is happening to this country? Is this the type of easy quit example we want to install into the future generations? Today it was easier to get into work than usual (12mile, mixed road drive). All my company lorries have got to their destinations on time throught the UK. It is no longer a severe weather condition. Little wonder the youth often have the 'don't care' attitude. It is the example shown to them from the schools. Head teachers and caretakers should be held accountable for any closures. Particularly as this was predicted last week!tallblokerobbie

I was at Porters Grange through the winter of 1962/1963 and it only closed for half of one day, due to the central heating breaking down. It was mended the same day and it was back to school as normal, regardless of what was falling from the sky and covering the ground. I can remember the snowdrifts in the streets being banked up at about 10ft high in places, yet it didn't prevent anybody from doing anything. We just got on with it.

I was at Porters Grange through the winter of 1962/1963 and it only closed for half of one day, due to the central heating breaking down. It was mended the same day and it was back to school as normal, regardless of what was falling from the sky and covering the ground. I can remember the snowdrifts in the streets being banked up at about 10ft high in places, yet it didn't prevent anybody from doing anything. We just got on with it.AnotherSister

I asked my councilor he sent me
St. Nicholas School – passenger transport suspended

Westborough Primary and Nursery School – Due to Health & Safety (on a hill and has speed bumps) and not gritted. Hope to be open tomorrow – staff have been clearing site.

Eastwood Academy – No reason given

Porters Grange Primary and Nursery School – No reason given

Lancaster School – Cannot clear site, Health & Safety

Chase High School – closing at 10.30 am due to Boiler failure – not due to the snow

I asked my councilor he sent me
St. Nicholas School – passenger transport suspended
Westborough Primary and Nursery School – Due to Health & Safety (on a hill and has speed bumps) and not gritted. Hope to be open tomorrow – staff have been clearing site.
Eastwood Academy – No reason given
Porters Grange Primary and Nursery School – No reason given
Lancaster School – Cannot clear site, Health & Safety
Chase High School – closing at 10.30 am due to Boiler failure – not due to the snowsiddymint

Essex Medja wrote:
There was a headmistress on the radio talking about &quot;my pupils" and "my parents", totally arrogant. She said the school was closed because she had a responsibility for her staff in case they might skid on ice coming in to work.
How "nanny" can you get. Perhaps she might want to lay down a diet and exercise regime for them or draft instruction on how to boil a kettle!!!

This has got to be a wind up surely ! Can you imagine the outcry if the train companys announced " Sorry no trains today in case our drivers skid on ice comming into work"
This farce needs sorting " School closed - No pay " would be a start.

[quote][p][bold]Essex Medja[/bold] wrote:
There was a headmistress on the radio talking about "my pupils" and "my parents", totally arrogant. She said the school was closed because she had a responsibility for her staff in case they might skid on ice coming in to work.
How "nanny" can you get. Perhaps she might want to lay down a diet and exercise regime for them or draft instruction on how to boil a kettle!!![/p][/quote]This has got to be a wind up surely ! Can you imagine the outcry if the train companys announced " Sorry no trains today in case our drivers skid on ice comming into work"
This farce needs sorting " School closed - No pay " would be a start.lennyfy

I think the Government needs to step in and sort this fiasco out. It really is becoming a farce. Kids miss their schooling, parents have to take time off work (some losing wages), all because either teachers cannot be bothered or head teachers make bad decisions based on an overactive health and saftey panic. Trouble is, as has already been said, head teachers are a law unto themselves. Nobody in authority has the balls to confront them about their decisions.
Schools must be made to be open, for teaching purposes, a minimum number of days a year. So for every day the schools close, due to "adverse weather", they should open during one of the school holidays. Simple.

I think the Government needs to step in and sort this fiasco out. It really is becoming a farce. Kids miss their schooling, parents have to take time off work (some losing wages), all because either teachers cannot be bothered or head teachers make bad decisions based on an overactive health and saftey panic. Trouble is, as has already been said, head teachers are a law unto themselves. Nobody in authority has the balls to confront them about their decisions.
Schools must be made to be open, for teaching purposes, a minimum number of days a year. So for every day the schools close, due to "adverse weather", they should open during one of the school holidays. Simple.emcee

I went to Eastwood school from 1949-1959 and we never shut once we all walked to school in those days.
I noticed passing Temple Sutton school all the children were playing out at play time on the field making snowmen and snow balls with the teachers why cannot other schools do the same?

I went to Eastwood school from 1949-1959 and we never shut once we all walked to school in those days.
I noticed passing Temple Sutton school all the children were playing out at play time on the field making snowmen and snow balls with the teachers why cannot other schools do the same?fredfoot

Some school closed because they do not have caretakers anymore to clear the snow from pathways due to government cutbacks, as schools have to follow the health and safety guidelines the school has to close. I

Some school closed because they do not have caretakers anymore to clear the snow from pathways due to government cutbacks, as schools have to follow the health and safety guidelines the school has to close. Iwoolstone

People who talk about "The Old Days" please remeber that in the "The Old Days" teachers all lived within walking distance of the school in the "The Old Days" school cartetakers lived on site. In the "The Old Days" no one sued becasue they slipped over. We have ended up with waht we deserve becasue we demand everything is cost effective and lots of people want something for nothing from any source including suing for no reason.
You reap what you sow I am afraid and that is what we have. Also no one in power can organise a "P*** in a brewery" they could make teachers go to their nearest school and have a plan.

People who talk about "The Old Days" please remeber that in the "The Old Days" teachers all lived within walking distance of the school in the "The Old Days" school cartetakers lived on site. In the "The Old Days" no one sued becasue they slipped over. We have ended up with waht we deserve becasue we demand everything is cost effective and lots of people want something for nothing from any source including suing for no reason.
You reap what you sow I am afraid and that is what we have. Also no one in power can organise a "P*** in a brewery" they could make teachers go to their nearest school and have a plan.HadleighBoy

emcee wrote:
I think the Government needs to step in and sort this fiasco out. It really is becoming a farce. Kids miss their schooling, parents have to take time off work (some losing wages), all because either teachers cannot be bothered or head teachers make bad decisions based on an overactive health and saftey panic. Trouble is, as has already been said, head teachers are a law unto themselves. Nobody in authority has the balls to confront them about their decisions.
Schools must be made to be open, for teaching purposes, a minimum number of days a year. So for every day the schools close, due to &quot;adverse weather", they should open during one of the school holidays. Simple.

Great idea emcee.Tag every day lost onto the end of the school year that should focus the Heads mind before taking the desicision to close.

[quote][p][bold]emcee[/bold] wrote:
I think the Government needs to step in and sort this fiasco out. It really is becoming a farce. Kids miss their schooling, parents have to take time off work (some losing wages), all because either teachers cannot be bothered or head teachers make bad decisions based on an overactive health and saftey panic. Trouble is, as has already been said, head teachers are a law unto themselves. Nobody in authority has the balls to confront them about their decisions.
Schools must be made to be open, for teaching purposes, a minimum number of days a year. So for every day the schools close, due to "adverse weather", they should open during one of the school holidays. Simple.[/p][/quote]Great idea emcee.Tag every day lost onto the end of the school year that should focus the Heads mind before taking the desicision to close.lennyfy

Essex Medja wrote:
There was a headmistress on the radio talking about &quot;my pupils" and "my parents", totally arrogant. She said the school was closed because she had a responsibility for her staff in case they might skid on ice coming in to work.
How "nanny" can you get. Perhaps she might want to lay down a diet and exercise regime for them or draft instruction on how to boil a kettle!!!

It does make you wonder who they think they work for.
Utter stupidity.

[quote][p][bold]Essex Medja[/bold] wrote:
There was a headmistress on the radio talking about "my pupils" and "my parents", totally arrogant. She said the school was closed because she had a responsibility for her staff in case they might skid on ice coming in to work.
How "nanny" can you get. Perhaps she might want to lay down a diet and exercise regime for them or draft instruction on how to boil a kettle!!![/p][/quote]It does make you wonder who they think they work for.
Utter stupidity.Antonius

sosad 1 wrote:
i went to school 1960 to 1970 they never shut once inc the winter of 63 we now have genarations of pc wimps

I went to school in the 50's and 60's and was taught by hard-nosed ex-WW2 soldiers, and yes, we did close when necessary.

you might be right democrat idid live opposite the school gates im just try ing to liven it it up its, like the at the school iwas at during the cuban crisis in the 60s icant remember doing nuclear attack stuff but the teachers were alrhigt when they been down the pub nite nite

[quote][p][bold]Democrat[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]sosad 1[/bold] wrote:
i went to school 1960 to 1970 they never shut once inc the winter of 63 we now have genarations of pc wimps[/p][/quote]I went to school in the 50's and 60's and was taught by hard-nosed ex-WW2 soldiers, and yes, we did close when necessary.[/p][/quote]you might be right democrat idid live opposite the school gates im just try ing to liven it it up its, like the at the school iwas at during the cuban crisis in the 60s icant remember doing nuclear attack stuff but the teachers were alrhigt when they been down the pub nite nitesosad 1

woolstone wrote:
Well emcee how do you think the pupils will feel about adding extra days due to the days lost over weather conditions ?

What does it matter what the pupils will feel. They do not run the show. If they have to return to school a day or two early from the holidays or have to break up a day or two later, all because the head gave them a few days off due to "adverse weather", then that's tough. It is in their best interests, after all. It is their education at stake.

[quote][p][bold]woolstone[/bold] wrote:
Well emcee how do you think the pupils will feel about adding extra days due to the days lost over weather conditions ?[/p][/quote]What does it matter what the pupils will feel. They do not run the show. If they have to return to school a day or two early from the holidays or have to break up a day or two later, all because the head gave them a few days off due to "adverse weather", then that's tough. It is in their best interests, after all. It is their education at stake.emcee

For goodness sake Evening Echo. Keep this page up to date !! Are all these schools closed today too? I don't think so. This is quite irresponsible journalism/web site management to still have yesterdays closed schools showing on today's web page.

For goodness sake Evening Echo. Keep this page up to date !! Are all these schools closed today too? I don't think so. This is quite irresponsible journalism/web site management to still have yesterdays closed schools showing on today's web page.the citizen

There was a headmistress on the radio talking about "my pupils" and "my parents", totally arrogant. ....................
.......

I quite agree. They are not "her" pupils or parents.

Essex Medja wrote:
There was a headmistress on the radio talking about "my pupils" and "my parents", totally arrogant. ....................
.......
I quite agree. They are not "her" pupils or parents.Antonius

Antonius wrote:
I do hope these schools make up the lost days at the end of term .

Thats all well and good ,but what about the parents that have booked something to go and see or do during the holidays should they loose out again.These schools should be open for the business of teaching thats what they are there for.
If the schools closed dont pay the teacher !

[quote][p][bold]Antonius[/bold] wrote:
I do hope these schools make up the lost days at the end of term .[/p][/quote]Thats all well and good ,but what about the parents that have booked something to go and see or do during the holidays should they loose out again.These schools should be open for the business of teaching thats what they are there for.
If the schools closed dont pay the teacher !r6keith

Antonius wrote:
I do hope these schools make up the lost days at the end of term .

Thats all well and good ,but what about the parents that have booked something to go and see or do during the holidays should they loose out again.These schools should be open for the business of teaching thats what they are there for.
If the schools closed dont pay the teacher !

No, because that sort of ruling would have to be phased in. Schools (or the LA) would have to give advanced warning to the parents which week they will set aside the following year to cover the shortfall in teaching days that may have occured that year. This will ensure that parents do not make any plans.

[quote][p][bold]r6keith[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Antonius[/bold] wrote:
I do hope these schools make up the lost days at the end of term .[/p][/quote]Thats all well and good ,but what about the parents that have booked something to go and see or do during the holidays should they loose out again.These schools should be open for the business of teaching thats what they are there for.
If the schools closed dont pay the teacher ![/p][/quote]No, because that sort of ruling would have to be phased in. Schools (or the LA) would have to give advanced warning to the parents which week they will set aside the following year to cover the shortfall in teaching days that may have occured that year. This will ensure that parents do not make any plans.emcee

So a school can be closed at the drop of a hat, causing a lot of inconvenience to a lot of parents. Many of whom will lose a day's work, but they cannot add an extra day on to make up for it. Seems like a win win situation for the schools, and the teachers.

So a school can be closed at the drop of a hat, causing a lot of inconvenience to a lot of parents. Many of whom will lose a day's work, but they cannot add an extra day on to make up for it. Seems like a win win situation for the schools, and the teachers.Letmetryagain

Letmetryagain wrote:
So a school can be closed at the drop of a hat, causing a lot of inconvenience to a lot of parents. Many of whom will lose a day's work, but they cannot add an extra day on to make up for it. Seems like a win win situation for the schools, and the teachers.

You've got it.

[quote][p][bold]Letmetryagain[/bold] wrote:
So a school can be closed at the drop of a hat, causing a lot of inconvenience to a lot of parents. Many of whom will lose a day's work, but they cannot add an extra day on to make up for it. Seems like a win win situation for the schools, and the teachers.[/p][/quote]You've got it.emcee